Ethics_and_Issues

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UNIT 5: Ethics and Issues in Information and Communication
Technology
Overall Expectations
By the end of this course, students will:
  • demonstrate an understanding of legal, social, and ethical issues relating to information and communication technology;
  • analyse privacy and security issues relating to information and communication technology;
  • assess the impact of information and communication technology on personal health and the environment.

Specific Expectations

Legal, Social, and Ethical Issues
By the end of this course, students will:
  • describe legal issues related to information and communication technology (e.g., freedom of information, piracy, copyright);
  • analyse ethical issues related to information and communication technology (e.g., spam, plagiarism, unauthorized downloading, inappropriate or dangerous sites or usage, power to promote hatred and discriminatory attitudes);
  • describe the impact of access and equity issues relating to information and communication technology (e.g., the availability of software to assist people with disabilities, access to equipment at home, the effect oftechnology on northern and Aboriginal communities);
  • explain the purpose and content of an acceptable use agreement.

Privacy and Security Issues
By the end of this course, students will:
  • describe privacy and security issues related to information and communication technology (e.g., protection of credit card information; cookies; identity theft; spyware; cyber stalking);
  • explain the importance of keeping information secure and confidential (e.g., through the use of passwords, encryption, biometric authentication, firewalls);
  • analyse the form and potential impact of computer viruses;
  • explain how anti-virus software applications in a business environment enhance system security.

Health and Environmental Issues
By the end of this course, students will:
  • describe an ergonomically correct work environment;
  • assess the personal health risks associated with the use of information and communication technology (e.g.,musculoskeletal injuries, eye strain);
  • explain the impact of information and communication technology on the environment (e.g., disposal of hardware, recycling of paper and toner cartridges).